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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

I stupidly told dm what I planned to call ds2

57 replies

AnneSansTete · 17/09/2015 19:51

I just can't keep secrets! She frowned and suggested a load of other names and now I'm doubting my choice. Argh!

Ds1 has a slightly unusual name (often either praised on mn or slated for being too 'aspirational'), so wanted something slightly more run of the mill for ds2. I love Rupert but considering my very northern, wc pil can barely bring themselves to say ds1's name we decided to compromise and choose Rowan.

Having stupidly told dm the name I'm now doubting myself. It's alright isn't it? And wouldn't sound too odd with a sibling with a slightly unusual name?

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Tornupinside · 18/09/2015 14:14

Just ignore her!

When I had my son, his name (Dexter) was only just starting to gain popularity so I had all sorts of comments regarding it. I even had a friend name her dog Dexter not long after my son was born!

If you love the name then stick to your guns, don't worry what anyone else thinks. I found having responses in my head for typical comments helped. If someone compared him to the TV series murdered I'd say 'I've got high hopes for my boy!'

No one will say a word once he's here.

RedToothBrush · 18/09/2015 16:50

Without knowing your son's name, I don't think anyone can say whether your DM is right about sibling names.

In its own right Rowan is nice. But it DOES depend on what your son is called.

Tiggeryoubastard · 18/09/2015 16:55

And wtf is is wrong with Fangomuckspunkpants? It's better than Balonz.

SubUrbaneFox · 18/09/2015 16:56

Mothers never like the name.

my xmil was worse. She kept saying "but you have to think of the child " in this annoying patronising voice. Then she suggested the name of her late second husband, the man she'd left my x's father for. Hilarious.

Wearyheadedlady · 18/09/2015 20:16

I like Rowan or Roan (more male spelling I think), but I don't like Ronan. now THAT is common.

SantasLittleMonkeyButler · 18/09/2015 21:45

I love Rowan for a girl. But not really for a boy.

Rupert really isn't a nice name for anyone.

But my opinion, like your DM's, doesn't matter. It's your baby so you get to name him. Your DM has had her chance to name a baby, she doesn't get a say in naming yours.

Penfold007 · 18/09/2015 22:00

I have a lovely and and amazing girlfriend called Rowan, go for it.

MrsGentlyBenevolent · 18/09/2015 22:24

I've known a couple of Rowans- they've always been lovely, laid back people. Go for it, I say.

Made a similar mistake with mil. We gave our shortlist, she hated all of them (nothing hugely 'out there', a couple were top 20 names). She then said she would probably hate any name we chose, whilst not giving any suggestions herself. Anyway, makes it easier knowing we can't please her, regardless! We've chosen a name now, most people like it but you can never please everyone, and you shouldn't try (even mothers at times!).

mrstweefromtweesville · 18/09/2015 22:50

Rowan is a boys' name. My mother's godson was/is Rowan, and he's a very successful man. Rowan. Excellent.

squoosh · 19/09/2015 02:48

You're from different generations, so it's no wonder you don't share the same taste in names. Look ahead to the day 40 years from now your DIL tells you she's thinking of calling your grandson Gary.

LucyBabs · 19/09/2015 02:54

Ronan is COMMON?? Shock

Yes rowan is lovely but prefer the roan spelling Wink

squoosh · 19/09/2015 03:13

Some people think all Irish boys names are 'common'.

SubUrbaneFox · 19/09/2015 09:57

Ronan is common!? Confused Yes, true squoosh, even if it's from an ancient legend or the name of the high kings of Ireland dating back thousands of years!

I think some people don't understand that there are other cultures.

definatlylosingmysanity · 19/09/2015 10:04

I might be slightly biased ds4 is 4 months and called rowan but I love the name. We live up north and haven't met anyone else with the name so far so it can't be that common. Ds 4 is the youngest of 6 and ds1 is the oldest they both have unisex names and we get lots of compliments for both.

PlopsyWhopsy · 19/09/2015 10:08

Squoosh Grin
Rowan is perfectly fine name for a boy

Wearyheadedlady · 19/09/2015 13:46

"common" as in commonly used. Its not a quality judgment, jesus christ. COMMON USAGE people!

squoosh · 19/09/2015 13:47

Bull.

Original poster
AnneSansTete · 19/09/2015 15:01

When it comes to my dm 'common' is definitely a quality judgement!

OP posts:
Wearyheadedlady · 19/09/2015 15:09

I have been out of the UK for too many years to be up to date with "common usage"

Marcipex · 19/09/2015 18:57

Rowan is very feminine. I know quite a few Rowans, all girls.
Rohan is a bit more masculine.

WhatDoesTheUrbaneFoxSay · 19/09/2015 18:59

But Rohan is INdian isn't it?

WhatDoesTheUrbaneFoxSay · 19/09/2015 19:00

Ronan is unusual. I know one in his forties, and one in his fifties. And of course, Ronan Keating. That's it.

whatstheplanphil · 19/09/2015 19:04

My friends ds is Rohan, it's a lovely name for a boy, if you want to call your son Rohan/Rowan/Roan you should, it really should be your own decision, don't care about what other people say

RiaOverTheRainbow · 19/09/2015 19:05

I know male and female Rowans, it's a lovely name.

rosieliveson1 · 19/09/2015 19:06

Roman is a lovely name. I only know one and he is a man so it's a boy's name to me.

I also adore Rupert! It's on our shortlist for DS due shortly.

Call your child what you want. My MIL made a mega cat's bum face when we told her my DS's full name. I couldn't care less! I love his name. It's not unusual. She just said she didn't like our middle name choice Grin